Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer doesn’t often give introductory statements in his post-game press conferences. In contrast to predecessor Sigi Schmid, Schmetzer would almost always rather go straight to questions, leaving it to the reporters in the room to set the agenda rather than vice versa.

On the occasion of Seattle’s narrow 2-1 victory over D.C. United on Saturday, however, Schmetzer broke with precedent, politely asking if he could “start with something.”

Waiting a beat to ensure that he had everybody’s full attention, he kept up the pretense of solemnity for only a split second before breaking into a wide smile. His whole body seemed to relax all at once.

The introductory statement lasted all of two words: “Thank God.”

Schmetzer allows for glimpses beneath the hardened façade of professional athletics, exposing evidence of raw humanity below. Approaching the two-year mark of his time in charge of the MLS Sounders, Schmetzer...